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The operator makes the initial
approach and stops 2-3 feet
short of the nose landing gear.
• The operator then opens the cradle by
holding both the "cradle down" and
the "cradle open" switch at the same
time. Both switches are held until the
cradle motion stops. Motion is stopped
when the side cradle cylinders reach
the end of their stroke.
• The operator proceeds to move the
vehicle forward and align the upper
rollers with the ribs of the nose landing
gear's tire tread. When the tires make
contact with the rear cradle bar, the
forward throttle shuts off.
After lowering the cradle and
opening the gates for capture,
the operator safely moves the
vehicle at "creep speed."
• The operator then presses and holds
the "cradle close" switch until the
cradle motion stops. When the cradle
gates swing past the 45-degree position, the parking brake on the vehicle
is released. This allows the vehicle
to roll in relation to the aircraft and
avoid placing horizontal load on the
landing gear.
• Meanwhile, the cradle gates continue
to close until hydraulic fuid fows over
a preset relief valve, which stops the
cradle motion.
PHOTO: TRONAIR
PHOTO: TRONAIR
PHOTO: TRONAIR
PHOTO: TRONAIR
US Airways was Tronair's ﬁrst customer to try
out the JETPorter Softcapture at Reagan
National Airport, Washington, D.C.
Forward motion stops when
the nose landing gear tires
make contact with the front
cradle safety bar. The cradle
can be closed and the aircraft
raised for pushback or tow.
• The operator then presses the "cradle up" switch until the cradle motion
stops. The cradle tilts to a 15-degree
angle. Between 13 degrees and 15
degrees, the cradle makes contact with
the proximity switch. Also, the upper
hold-down arms lock in place between
13 degrees and 15 degrees. The fully
raised cradle takes the vehicle out of
"creep speed."
Once the aircraft is taken to where
it needs to be, the driver presses the
APRIL 2013 • AviationPros.com
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